Blog

Open and Accountable Governance – Is Bahamas Hitting the Mark?

Posted on October 19, 2016

Responsible, open and accountable governance is critical for societies to create opportunity and socioeconomic stability for their citizens. Is the Bahamas hitting the mark? The core problems facing the Bahamas - crime, poor education, unemployment, and a flagging economy amongst others - stem from a systemic break down in leadership and governance in the country.

Organization for Responsible Governance recognizes Good Governance as essential for The Bahamas to address all other social issues from crime, to education, to economic prosperity. This can be the bedrock of sustainable national development and the backbone of a strong democracy and we are committed to driving better governance for the benefit of all.

The Bahamas is at a critical point. The status quo has failed the nation and created massive inefficiencies and an ineffective government. The nation is heavily in-debt, uncompetitive even in our largest sectors, and expensive to live in. We, as a people, must decide whether to continue as we are or create the change that we want to see. If Bahamians stand united we can significantly change the way the country and political parties are governed and led. Open and accountable governance provides opportunity for ALL citizens and not just the favored few. Bahamians must demand higher standards and better leadership for a brighter Bahamas, anything less is unacceptable.

Improved governance requires cooperation between government and citizens. The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) launched The Campaign for the Bahamas to focus on the core issues/problems affecting the Bahamas and strive to get the incumbent Government and political opposition parties to understand the need for ongoing engagement and participation of civil society in good governance. We believe that achieving better governance requires improvement in some key areas such as transparency, accountability, rule of law, efficiency and inclusiveness.

What does Good Governance include?

Good governance is accountable

Accountability is a fundamental requirement of good governance. Local government has an obligation to report, explain and be answerable for the consequences of decisions it has made on behalf of the community it represents.

Good governance is transparent

People should be able to follow and understand the decision-making process. This means that they will be able to clearly see how and why a decision was made – what information, advice and consultation council considered, and which legislative requirements (when relevant) the government followed.

Good governance follows the rule of law

This means that decisions are consistent with relevant legislation or common law and are within the powers of government.

Good governance is responsive

Government should always try to serve the needs of the entire community while balancing competing interests in a timely, appropriate and responsive manner.

Good governance is equitable and inclusive

A community’s wellbeing results from all of its members feeling their interests have been considered by government in the decision-making process. This means that all stakeholders, particularly the most vulnerable, should have opportunities to participate in the process.

Good governance is effective and efficient

Local government should implement decisions and follow processes that make the best use of the available people, resources and time to ensure the best possible results for their community.

Good governance is participatory

Anyone affected by or interested in a decision should have the opportunity to participate in the process for making that decision. This can happen in several ways – community members may be provided with information, asked for their opinion, given the opportunity to make recommendations or, in some cases, be part of the actual decision-making process.

No party or reform group can accomplish the above goals alone, however. Broad-based and sustained citizen support is essential. That means that improving governance in The Bahamas, as in any other democracy, needs civil society, needs citizen participation, needs you!

Or sign in with email

Create an account

Knowledge is power means; a person having more knowledge will be able to control circumstances in the life accordingly. Knowledge is power really means if one has complete knowledge, he/she can be more powerful in the world and do not require other things in life such as anyone’s help, friends, etc. Knowledge is a most strong tool provides power to people which cannot be defeated by other power on the earth. Knowledge provides social power to person holding certain power over those people who do not. Knowledge and power is a go together forever guy, help to address various difficulties in life. We can say that knowledge gives power and power gives knowledge.http://www.essaysolution.co.uk/write-my-essay

Stephen Rowan commented
2017-09-11 02:46:10 -0400

Pleasant to visit your site page once more, it has been months for me. Well this article i have been sat tight for so long. I require this piece to finish my task in school, and it has same theme with your piece. Much appreciated, incredible offer… .Feel free to surf https://rospher.com/ for different writing ideas.

joy kane commented
2016-10-21 18:41:30 -0400

I so wish this Government would be accountable to The Bahamian people, by being upfront and open about where the Tax dollars that they are paying go. We should know. Also I wonder does the people know how The IMF effects us here if the borrowed millions aren’t paid back according to their liking? Are all Bahamian business’ being taxed the same, or are there some that are not paying due to who they know? Just asking………I mean weren’t there many peoples’ lights turned off by then B.E.C. who owed a couple hundred or couple dollars while certain preferred Bahamians owing thousands had not paid theirs? just a few thoughts that are worth hearing the answer to…….And where is the care for this people? why did the Government have to tax B.E.C. Bills? really? everything else has been taxed, could they not have a break somewhere?